Twin Cities Student Information

Academics

Spring 2021 begins January 19 for the Twin Cities campus. Spring break is scheduled for April 5-9, 2021.
Course modalities (e.g., in-person, distance, hybrid) for the spring semester have been selected. Check your schedule through MyU for information. If you have questions about a specific course, contact your instructor.
If you are unable to participate in your coursework due to illness, contact your instructor immediately via email or phone. If verification is requested, please see the Makeup Work for Legitimate Absences Policy.
Tuition and fees will remain the same, regardless of the method of instruction.
Departments continue to follow safety protocols for in-person instruction aimed at maintaining physical distancing and wearing face coverings, which include signage, reduced classroom density, and spaced furniture placement. For specific information about your learning spaces, visit the Office for Classroom Management or contact your college or department.
Regular housekeeping practices are enhanced by University facilities management teams, including frequent cleaning and sanitization of high-touch areas such as door handles, railings, and elevator panels. Find more information about cleaning procedures, hand sanitizer availability, and other guidance by visiting Facilities Management’s site.
Wear a face covering inside University buildings and outdoors where physical distancing of six feet is difficult to maintain.
The Disability Resource Center remains available to identify reasonable accommodations.
Learn more about MTest, the University’s plans for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing and the role we all play in keeping one another safe and healthy.
Learn more about Spring 2021 using the links below:
- Undergraduate Update
- Graduate Studies
- International Student and Scholar Services
- Research
  
  Last updated January 4

Campus Experience

Your U Card is your official University of Minnesota ID and gets you access to your residence hall, meal plan swipes, Gopher Gold, libraries, and much more. Remember to keep your U Card with you at all times for access to University buildings.
The Recreation and Wellness Center is now on winter break hours with limited capacity and updated safety protocols under Governor Walz’s Executive Order 21-01; check for hours and details. MTest through Boynton Health is open and available at RecWell.
Boynton Health is open for regular clinical care as well appointments for the flu shot or COVID-19 testing, through the MyBoynton Portal.
Campus services, such as academic advising, career services, etc., will be available in a modified way on the Twin Cities campus.
Four campus libraries are open for students, faculty, and staff with valid U Cards. Hours remain limited during the Maroon and Gold Sunrise. Other libraries may be open by appointment.
Student groups can register and conduct events as long as they meet University and State of Minnesota guidelines for gatherings. Student Unions & Activities also has information and resources regarding events and guidance for student groups.
Check with University museums and entertainment venues like Northrop, Weisman Art Museum, Bell Museum or Minnesota Arboretum for hours and details.
Though some social activities are restricted, there are opportunities to connect with your community while physical distancing. Find campus resources and opportunities to connect with your Golden Gopher community:
Study spaces on campus will be available to you to study and attend remote, online, or blended classes.
Resources are available to assist with your technology and internet needs.
Parking & Transportation Services has enhanced cleaning procedures and capacity limits on all campus shuttles. Check their site for route and schedule information.
Fraternity and Sorority Life offers recruitment and activities that include health and safety requirements as necessary.
The Gophers Protecting Gophers campaign encourages the University community to do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Last updated January 12

Campus Dining

For on-campus residents, dining locations are grab-n-go (no seating in the dining facility) and limited to your primary dining facility during Maroon and Gold Sunrise 2.0.
University dining facilities adhere to health and safety protocols consistent with MDH guidelines.
Students are asked to also adhere to the required safety guidelines:
- To-go containers will be required for entry into the dining hall
  - You must present the postcard you will receive in your residence hall mailbox the first time you visit the dining hall to exchange it for a reusable to-go container, tumbler, and cutlery.
- Reservations are required through OpenTable.
- Follow all signage and stay at least six feet from others at all times.
- Do not move tables and chairs.
- Comply with the state and University face covering protocols.
Visit M Dining for the latest dining information for the Twin Cities campus.
For residential students occupying isolation or quarantine spaces on campus, students will need to fill out a daily M Dining survey for meal.

Last updated January 12

On-Campus Housing

For students living on campus, Housing & Residential Life has taken the following steps:
- Rooms have been measured to ensure there is enough space to maintain the recommended six feet of physical distance while occupying your room at the same time as your roommate.
- Students should review updated policies on the Community Behavioral Standards web page for more information on health, safety, guests, and maximum occupancy.
University residence halls and apartments will remain open during Spring Break (April 5-9) for students who have housing contracts that extend into the upcoming summer break or who remain in isolation or quarantine.
Students who may be at greater risk due to health complications can request housing accommodations to reduce their risk.

Housing & Residential Life partners closely with local and state public health officials to address cases of COVID-19 that arise in residential communities. Rooms for isolation and quarantine will be set aside for students with a housing contract who are ill with possible COVID-19 or who have tested positive for COVID-19. Review the MTest Protocols and response to learn more.

Students living on and off-campus can use this decision tree (PDF) if exposed to COVID-19 or have received a confirmed positive test.

Last updated January 4

Twin Cities Student Information

College-specific COVID -19 Information

Resources and Support for Students